FAQ
Everything you wanted to know about working with a dispatch service
Real answers to real questions from owner-operators. Plain English. If your question isn't here, contact us.
Getting Started
What is a truck dispatcher and what do they do?
A truck dispatcher finds freight loads for owner-operators and manages the logistics of each load. We search load boards (DAT, Truckstop) and our direct broker relationships, negotiate rates with brokers, handle paperwork, track your loads, and manage broker communication. You drive — we handle everything else.
Do I need a dispatcher if I have my own MC authority?
No — but most owner-operators find that a good dispatcher more than pays for itself. The time you spend finding loads, negotiating rates, and handling paperwork is time you're not driving. And most carriers lack access to the broker relationships and lane data that get top rates.
What's the difference between a dispatcher and a broker?
A broker finds shippers and matches them with carriers — they work for the shipper. A dispatcher works for you, the carrier. We're on your side in every negotiation. We find loads from brokers and negotiate the best possible rate for you.
What documents do I need to sign up with a dispatch service?
You'll need: MC number, Certificate of Insurance (COI) showing $1M auto liability and $100K cargo, W-9, voided check or factoring company NOA, driver's CDL (front and back), and truck information (VIN, plate, equipment type).
How long does it take to start working with a dispatcher?
Same day. If you sign up in the morning and your documents are in order, we typically have your first load booked by afternoon. From first contact to first load in under 24 hours.
Pricing & Payment
How do dispatchers charge?
Most dispatchers charge a percentage of the gross load amount — typically 5–10%. Some charge flat fees per load or monthly retainers. We charge a percentage (5–10%, most carriers pay 6–7%) because it aligns our incentives with yours: the more you earn, the more we earn.
What's a typical dispatch service commission?
The industry range is 5–15%, with most legitimate services charging 5–10%. Anything under 5% is usually a red flag — they're cutting corners somewhere. Anything over 10% is premium pricing for niche services. Most carriers at Milepost pay 6–7%.
Are there hidden fees with dispatch services?
At Milepost Dispatch, no. No setup fees, no monthly minimums, no per-load admin fees, no software fees. You pay one commission rate on loads we dispatch. Period. Some other dispatchers charge setup fees ($150–$500), monthly minimums, or per-load paperwork fees — ask before you sign.
How do I pay my dispatcher?
We invoice weekly via email. You can pay via ACH, debit, or check. Most carriers prefer weekly ACH — it's automatic and keeps the accounting clean.
What happens if a load gets cancelled?
If the broker cancels (TONU) and you receive TONU pay, we charge standard commission on that TONU pay. If we cancel a booking before pickup for any reason, you owe us nothing.
Do I pay commission on TONU pay?
Yes — if you receive TONU compensation from the broker, we charge our standard commission on that amount. This is standard industry practice.
How It Works
How does a dispatcher find loads?
We use multiple sources: load boards (DAT, Truckstop), direct broker relationships built over years, and AI-powered tools that score loads against your profile (rate, deadhead, lane fit, broker quality). The result is faster matching and better rates than manual searching.
Who chooses which loads I take?
You set the rules — minimum rate per mile, preferred lanes, states you won't run, home time requirements. We find loads that fit your rules. You have final say on every load. We don't book a load under your minimums.
Can I refuse a load my dispatcher books?
Yes. We'll never book a load without your acceptance. If we present a load and you don't want it, we find another one. That said, unreasonable refusals make dispatch harder — if your minimum rates are above market, we'll tell you honestly.
What happens during a load from pickup to delivery?
We send you a dispatch package (pickup details, delivery details, broker contact, special instructions). We check in via SMS for ETA updates. We handle any broker communication if things change. We collect your BOL at pickup (text us a photo) and POD at delivery.
How does a dispatcher help if there's a problem?
We handle the broker side. Breakdown? We contact the broker and manage the communication. Detention? We file the paperwork and negotiate. Layover? We submit the request. Your job is driving. Our job is everything else.
Technology & Tools
What tools does Milepost Dispatch use?
We use AI-powered load matching tools, DAT and Truckstop load board access, Carrier411 for broker verification, and internal lane rate databases. We send dispatch packages via WhatsApp and email.
How do you handle rate confirmations and paperwork?
We handle all paperwork — rate confirmations, BOL coordination, POD chasing, detention claims. You just need to text us a photo of your BOL at pickup. We take care of the rest.
How do I send my BOL/POD?
Text us a clear photo via WhatsApp. That's it. We handle the filing with the broker.
Quality & Trust
How do I know my dispatcher is finding the best loads?
We're transparent: we show you what the load pays and the broker name on every dispatch. You can cross-check against DAT rates. We also provide weekly gross summaries so you always know what you earned.
How do you verify brokers before booking loads?
Every broker is cross-checked on Carrier411 before we book. We filter out brokers with slow payment histories, fraud flags, or below-market reputations. We only book with brokers we trust.
What's your average rate per mile?
Our carrier fleet averages $2.30+ per loaded mile for dry van and $2.50+ for reefer. The industry average is $2.10 for dry van. We achieve above-market rates through broker negotiation and our internal lane rate database.
Do I need to sign a long-term contract?
No. We don't lock you in. Month-to-month, no penalties for leaving. We earn your business through results — not contracts. Most of our carriers stay 12+ months because we deliver.
Comparison
What's better: dispatch service or load board subscription?
Load boards are tools — they show you loads but don't negotiate, verify brokers, handle paperwork, or manage your lane strategy. A good dispatch service does all of that. Most serious owner-operators use a dispatcher, not a load board subscription alone.
Should I dispatch myself or hire a service?
Self-dispatching works if you have strong broker relationships, time to search and negotiate loads, and experience in the market. Most owner-operators find their time is worth more behind the wheel than on the phone. At 6–7% commission, if we find you even $0.15/mile more than you'd get yourself, we pay for ourselves.
How does dispatch service compare to leasing on with a carrier?
Leasing on gives you a consistent relationship but often means lower pay, less lane flexibility, and giving up your authority. Running under your own authority with a dispatcher gives you full control — you choose your loads, your lanes, your freight type — while getting the support of a dispatch team.